Leaders are Readers

Are you a sloppy reader? Do you have an intentional reading strategy? Steve Leveen of Levenger wrote “The Little Guide to Your Well-Read Life.”  This insightful tome suggests that no one can be well-read in all or even most things. The secret is to take control of your reading life.
Here are some suggestions to create your custom reading strategy:

• Start – with a list of topics. What are your interests and passions? Why read in a myopically specific area? Broaden your horizons by identifying your full range of interests and broaden your reading list. Identify the best authors and most renowned books in your areas of interest. Why settle for less than the best?
• Collect – titles of books that you add to your candidate list; these are candidates for your attention not candidates of obligation. If someone makes a recommendation ask them why they like the book so much. Make sure it fits your areas of interest.
• Focus – your reading time and attention on the best books from your candidate list rather than random books. Plan your reading then read according to your plan!
• Enjoy – do not finish a book that you are not enjoying (unless it’s a class assignment!) there are too many books in this world to read. Don’t spend time slogging through a book that brings you no pleasure or benefit.

Start today to create your custom reading list of books that suit your unique interests. Take control of your reading life and make a plan to read.